One (maybe just me) would think there would have been a lot to say about each of the Chase races. But I had little of note to write about, so I didn't. I know what you're saying: ' Hey Vicar, how is that different from all your other blogs?' Touche!

Regardless, the racing, broadcasts and Nascar's handling of the events has been good to very good. All involved are giving their best.

So why - other than the choice of venues for the playoffs - are the pre-race, post-race, and in-between races activities more interesting than the races?

Towit: Mitt at Richmond. He's probably the biggest Nascar fan to attend a race since Elizabeth Taylor at Charlotte.

2 handed goose by Tony.

Made in America souvenir section at CMS.

The passing of Chris Economaki and Cecil Gordon - both super people and contributors.

2 Eurys gone from JR Motorsports.

Concussions. Are they contagious?

SoftBank Cup?

Nascar Hall of Fame showcasing 'Dramatic Crashes'.

Return of A.J. and musical chairs with him, Kurt and Regan.

Clairvoyancy of Hamlin.

Jeff's retro mustache.

Likely Nationwide champ leaving team.

Auto auction on SpeedTV preempts Cup qualifying.

10 additional years of Nascar on Fox.

Fuzzy report implies races might be available online. That would be a great thing, but I doubt that's what they're saying. And will Fox limit the number of Waltrips in the booth as Bob Pockrass of the Sporting News asks? You can read his column here. http://aol.sportingnews.com/nascar/story/2012-10-15/nascar-tv-deal-fox-sports-fans-speed-darrell-waltrip-michael-waltrip

Speaking of Fox. I have alluded to this in the past, but recently during an ESPN telecast my wife said 'The nice thing about them is no one is yelling at you'. Amen.

9.16.73: At N.Wilkesboro, with 66 laps to go, leader R. Petty pitted and took 2 tires. New leader B. Allison pitted 18 laps later and took four. In the last 30 miles (.625 mile track - you do the math) Allison unlapped himself and pulled away. He caught and passed Petty on the backstretch of the last lap.

I bring this race up because it shows Goodyear should be put back in control of the races. I believe the racing now - as far as the show goes - suffers because the tires are too good. 2, 4 or none seems to make little difference. That race, the 24's first win ( 'Tiregate'when Jack Roush accused them of soaking), 2 races at Bristol involving the 5 and the 3, Johnny Sauter's confiscated tires at Darlington, and countless other events all produced thrilling events because, as Harry Hogg once said, 'Tires win races'. Sure, teams win races, but do you want fuel mileage to be a bigger factor than tires? I think not.

10.12 Ned WAS in the booth but he said nothing about what's up with Gus Wasson.